Nephrology is the study of kidney function and kidney diseases and a nephrologist is a medical practitioner who has additionally completed at least three years of post graduate training in general internal medicine and two years of specialised training in nephrology. Blood or protein present in urine, high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney stones, electrolyte disorder, fluid retention are some of the conditions that could prompt a person to see a nephrologist. The nephrologist will look at your medical history and ask questions about any signs or symptoms you are currently experiencing to get a picture of your entire health. You will be given a physical exam and have tests done, which may include a urinalysis, urine culture, blood test, X-ray, sonogram or kidney biopsy.
Kidney disease develops through five stages.

A nephrologist will plan a suitable course of treatment for the stage you are in. The early stages of kidney disease may be treated with a healthy kidney-friendly diet, exercise and medicine that bring high blood pressure and diabetes under control....Read more